Astronauts Speak From Space: Exclusive Interview After Launch | ABC News

The crew of the Artemis II mission, currently on a 10-day journey around the moon, shared their experiences and impressions with ABC News’ Gio Benitez a day after liftoff. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen described breathtaking views of Earth and the challenges of adapting to life in space.

Commander Wiseman described a particularly striking view of Earth, stating, I don’t know what we all expected to see … but you could see the entire globe, from pole to pole. He added, You could see Africa, Europe, and if you looked really close, you could see the northern lights. It was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks.

This mission marks the first time humans have ventured beyond low-Earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The Artemis II crew is undertaking a 685,000-mile lunar flyby, testing systems and paving the way for future lunar landings.

The launch on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, took place at 6:35 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was witnessed globally. The crew successfully completed the Translunar injection burn, initiating their journey towards the moon, as shown in images released by NASA.

The astronauts also discussed the practical aspects of life aboard the Orion spacecraft. While details were not immediately available, the interview touched upon adjustments and minor repairs needed during the initial phase of the mission, suggesting the realities of space travel extend beyond the spectacular views.

The Artemis II mission represents a significant step in NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon and eventually prepare for missions to Mars. The data and experience gained during this flight will be crucial for future missions.

The crew’s comments highlight the awe-inspiring nature of space travel and the dedication required to push the boundaries of human exploration. Their journey is being closely followed by space enthusiasts and scientists worldwide.